put into his possession, to be distributed among the Choctaw or other Indians, should he find it necessary one of the two years presents allotted to the Chickasaws which were sent to Fort Washington. The Officer, when he halts with the Chickasaws will endeavour to ascertain whether they remain attached to the United States and the state in which the Spaniards have left the forts. Wolf's friend of the Chickasaws writes, under date of the 1. April, "dont expect there is a Spaniard on the bluff, for the garrison is demolished. You know a Man named Hoanton. He is there. You must not consider he belongs to the Spaniards, he belongs to us Chickasaws." I believe it to be wholly unnecessary to suggest to you to take the most effectual steps to know, as early as possible, the issue of the demand and explanation and the position which may be assumed by our troops, in case of a refusal, and to afford them every assistance, which the case may require. You will appreciate circumstances, use a sound discretion, and establish between you and them the speediest mode of communication. I leave it therefore with you to determine, whether it will not be expedient to augment the force and military Stores in advance by a further detachment and supply. With respect to your own position, it appears to me adviseable that it should be at Fort Washington, if not Massac, and that you should suspend visiting the posts on the lakes till further orders. [Fearing you might have left Fort Washington I have forwarded a copy of this letter to Cap^t Guion] I am Sir with respect Your ob^s Servant James McHenry General James Wilkinson